Kieran Trippier claims Diego Simeone warned him about Alexander Isak’s potential while at Atletico Madrid. The Swede arrived from Real Sociedad last month for a record-breaking fee and made an instant impact on debut.
A goal against Liverpool gave Toon supporters a glimpse of what is to come and a second was controversially ruled out by VAR for offside. In Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin’s absence, Isak bore the brunt of Newcastle United's attacking responsibility in his first two games on Tyneside.
Trippier knows all too well about the 22-year-old’s capabilities from his spell in La Liga. The duo clashed last October and Isak put in a man-of-the-match performance against the reigning champions.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe's 'entertaining' Bournemouth success and how Newcastle United are now replicating it
His assist set up Alexander Sorloth on seven minutes before he got in on the action with a goal himself just after the break. Atleti would fire back to snatch a 2-2 draw - but Isak left his impression.
Ahead of the Bournemouth clash, Trippier insisted Simeone “made him aware” about his future teammate. He told NUFC TV: “I played against him a couple of times. One game he came on from the left, playing against me. He’s one of those players who can play on the right, left or top on his own. It’s good that he is flexible like that.
“When I played against him in Spain, the manager made me aware of him at the time. His pace, clinical finishing... I'm delighted he is here. He’s got a bright future ahead of him at such a young age and hopefully he'll score many goals for us.”
The England international also credited Isak for how well he has adjusted to life in the Premier League. At 6ft 4in, the striker appears tailor-made for the rigours of English football.
“He has slotted in straight away,” Trippier added. “I know how hard it is going to a different league. To adapt to the culture, the league itself.
“The Premier League is so intense - there is no other league like it. So fair play to him, he’s come in against Liverpool away, scored, and didn’t look out of place. It’s like he's been here for a long time. Full credit to him as he’s working hard on the training field.”
READ NEXT:
Newcastle's best dynamic duos - and how they can inspire Isak and Wilson
Eddie Howe's rousing Newcastle United team talk
Brighton's CEO wants a 'word with Dan Ashworth' over St James' Park rule
PSG president makes 'dream' vow that is good news for Newcastle's long-term plan
Loris Karius' response to Liverpool hate mail as Newcastle get character bonus
